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A post on the Facebook profile of Cubadebate featuring excerpts from Miguel Díaz-Canel's speech delivered on November 4, 2025, from the Palace of the Revolution during the event marking the 20th anniversary of the People's Summit and the “No to ALCA” initiative, has sparked a wave of criticism on social media.
"The principles are non-negotiable, and the dignity and worth of the people outweigh all the weapons of the most powerful empire in history. On this path, there have been advancements as well as setbacks that at times seem painfully definitive, but the struggle continues. The historic victory we celebrate today serves as a vital spur in the face of the enormous challenges we must confront today, with unity as our shield and stronghold," the official media cited in a post that has sparked outrage on social media and revealed the frustration of millions of Cubans.
The triumphant tone of the message, amid the economic, social, and health crisis the country is experiencing, sparked over a thousand comments in just a few hours, most of which were critical or openly mocking.
Among the first comments, a user wrote: "What a pathetic statement." Another person commented, "That archaic speech is exhausting. It's boring. The Cuban people are slowly dying." "What dignity is he talking about?" asked another internet user, while one female user asserted, "The cup is overflowing; the people are tired of so many lies and the lack of everything."
Many messages focused on the contrast between the words of the ruler and daily life on the island. "Two pounds of rice at the store in three months," wrote a reader. Another joked, "What's the point of ALCA if there's no visible economic development project, just to speak poorly of the prosperous neighbor?" "The puppet is already disgusting," commented another. "Cuba is sinking right under your nose, Canel. Tell Machi to pack up the little shoes and go with Putin," wrote a user in reference to Raúl Castro.
A user commented: "Principles aren't eaten or taken. People don't want to resist; they want to live, not be mired in disgrace. Stop the nonsense already."
Other users directly expressed their frustration with insults and sarcasm. “Pinocchio at bat. What a piece of work this guy is,” wrote one. “Cuba has become a concentration camp for extermination, a Nazi government,” stated another. “Resign, sir, this can't go on any longer,” urged a third. “66 years of regression and he wants more,” “Send food, medicine and lower prices,” and “Very nice words, but we don’t see the results,” were among other comments.
References to the scandal involving former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil were also frequent. "You have no principles; you've demonstrated that with the Alejandro Gil scandal," noted one internet user. "You talk about dignity, but your family lives like bourgeois," wrote another. "The life of the people is what’s at stake, not your speeches," added yet another comment.
Some users broadened their criticisms of the government's overall management. "Incompetent, deceitful, opportunistic government of the PCC and the entire power elite," wrote one internet user. "What percentage of acceptance does our 'unelected' president have among our people?" asked another. "We don't eat, we don't heal, we don't have power, we don't dress with principles," wrote one female user. "Dignity doesn't feed us," added another.
The post from Cubadebate surpassed 1,200 comments in less than 24 hours, an unusual figure in the digital spaces of the government, where filtered or favorable messages usually prevail. This time, the rejection was widespread.
Criticism arises following a week marked by other episodes of public discontent. Days earlier, Díaz-Canel had stated that “the measures have been effective” in response to Hurricane Melissa, which triggered another wave of outraged responses from Cubans who reported a lack of assistance in devastated areas and communities that had to seek refuge in caves.
Later, during his visit to Río Cauto, in Granma, the leader reiterated that “no one will be left unsupported,” without specifying deadlines or assistance mechanisms. In recent comments, several users recalled those unfulfilled promises: “He said the same in Río Cauto and families are still waiting for help,” wrote one person. “Very nice words, but we don’t see the results,” pointed out another.
The thread of responses reflects a massive rejection of the official discourse, which many consider empty and disconnected from the reality of the country. Although the expressions varied, the predominant idea was the same: the slogans about principles and dignity do not address hunger or the decline of daily life in Cuba.
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